Honourable senators, I rise today to pay tribute to the late Honourable Donald H. Oliver, a man of unwavering principle, conviction and profound faith.

I’ll never forget my first encounter with him. It was my first day on Parliament Hill, in the anteroom adjacent to the National Caucus meeting room. I was very nervous but noticed a man making his way through the crowd and coming towards me. We were practically nose to nose when he greeted me with a warm smile and extended his hand. His first words to me were:

I’ve been waiting for you. I’m Senator Don Oliver, the first Black man to be appointed to the Senate. I’ve been working on diversity and inclusion in Canada for the past 17 years, and I’m looking forward to you working with me.

That moment was more than a welcome. It was an affirmation. He made me feel seen, valued and part of something larger. That was Donald Oliver. He carried himself with dignity but also with a genuine kindness that made you feel as if you belonged. He was a man of deep and abiding faith in God, a faithful attendee of the Wednesday-morning prayer breakfast here on Parliament Hill. He invited me to join soon after the start of my Senate tenure, and I’ve been attending ever since. That simple invitation opened the door to a rhythm of reflection and Christian fellowship that has sustained me throughout my public service.

From humble beginnings in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Donald Oliver was raised by parents who instilled in him a sense of duty. No matter one’s means, one must give back. He went on to study at Acadia University and Dalhousie Law School, laying the foundation for a life in which service and social change would always be central.

In 1990, he made history. He was appointed to the Senate of Canada, becoming the first Black man from Nova Scotia to serve in the Senate. Over the next 23 years, he carried the weight of that first with grace, integrity and unwavering dedication. In the Senate, he chaired numerous standing committees, served as Speaker pro tempore and was a force in pushing for equity, inclusion and human rights. He introduced motions and legislation that aimed to break down systemic barriers, including one that led Parliament to formally recognize Black History Month.

His honours and awards are many: five honorary doctorates, investiture into the Order of Canada and the Order of Nova Scotia and numerous medals recognizing public service and leadership.

To his beloved wife, Linda; his daughter, Carolynn; and his extended family, his passing is a profound loss. To Canada, it is the departure of a giant. Rest in peace, dear colleague, mentor and brother in Christ.